Selection of Saccharum spp. rhizobacteria with growth-promoting properties using PCA analysis

The search for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is an ongoing need for the development of new bioinoculants for use in various crops, including sugarcane. Bacterial strains with various plant growth-promoting properties can contribute to sustainable agricultural production. The present study aimed to isolate, characterize and select sugarcane rhizobacteria from six different varieties through principal components analysis. This study selected 167 bacterial strains with the ability to fix nitrogen, produce indolacetic acid, exhibit cellulolytic activity, and solubilize phosphate and potassium were isolated. Of these 167 bacterial strains, seven were selected by principal component analysis and identified as belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Bacillus and Achromobacter. Bacillus thuringiensis IP21 presented higher potential for nitrogen fixation and CaPO4 and AlPO4 solubilization and a lower potential for K solubilization in sugarcane. Enterobacter asburiae IP24 was efficient in indolacetic acid production and CaPO4 and FePO4 solubilization and inefficient for Araxá apatite solubilization.